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Top Paying Jobs in Illinois

Illinois has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 581,630 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Cardiologists ($517,850), Surgeons, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologists ($435,750). The cost of living index is 93.85 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,407/month.

State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.

$160K
Avg. median salary
93.85
Cost of living index
$1,407
Median 2BR rent
12,667,240
Population

Highest paying careers in Illinois

RankOccupationCategoryMedian salaryHourly
91Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific ProductsSales$108K$51.72/hr
92Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and RelayRepair & Maintenance$107K$51.67/hr
93Terrazzo Workers and FinishersConstruction & Trades$107K$51.54/hr
94Facilities ManagersManagement$107K$51.43/hr
95Administrative Services ManagersManagement$107K$51.38/hr
96Data ScientistsTechnology$107K$51.23/hr
97Fundraising ManagersManagement$106K$51.1/hr
98First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction WorkersConstruction & Trades$106K$50.84/hr
99Reinforcing Iron and Rebar WorkersConstruction & Trades$106K$50.76/hr
100First-Line Supervisors of Correctional OfficersPublic Safety$105K$50.7/hr

Affordability snapshot: Illinois

These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.

Cost of living vs. national average-6.2% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,407/mo

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Metro areas in Illinois

Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.

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